HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-10-19 - Michele LewProclamation
Michele Lew – ATHENA Leadership Award
WHEREAS, Michele Lew’s professional career has been devoted to improving health and wellness, especially
among vulnerable populations. As CEO of the Health Trust, a $100 million San-Jose nonprofit, she oversees policy,
advocacy, and grant-making programs that advance health equity in Silicon Valley; and
WHEREAS, Michele obtained an Economics degree from Yale University before earning a Master’s of Public Policy
degree from Harvard University; and
WHEREAS, while participating in Leadership Mid-Peninsula, she attended a lecture by State Assemblymember Joe
Simitian. She was so impressed by Simitian that she took a position as his District Director and gained valuable
experience within local government, which would serve her well in subsequent roles; and
WHEREAS, Michele then immersed herself in health policy, first while serving as President & CEO of Asian
Americans for Community Involvement (AACI), an organization that provides health care services for low-income
Asian immigrants, and subsequently as Stanford Health Care’s Local Government & Community Relations Director;
and
WHEREAS, Michele’s work with the Health Trust enables her to make a notable impact on low-income, unhoused,
immigrant, and HIV/AIDS populations, particularly through the Health Trust’s signature Meals on Wheels program,
which delivers nutritious meals to seniors and adults with disabilities from Palo Alto to Gilroy; and
WHEREAS, Michele’s commitment to the health and well-being of vulnerable populations extends beyond her
professional career. Michele serves as Chair of On Lok’s Day Services Board of Directors and Chair of Santa Clara
Family Health Plan’s Board of Directors; and
WHEREAS, the ATHENA Award honors exceptional women leaders who demonstrate the highest levels of
professional excellence, give back to their communities and, most importantly, assist other women in realizing their full
leadership potential; and
WHEREAS, it is awarded with the highest regard by the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce in celebration of the
change-makers and trailblazers who open doors of leadership and opportunity for women in communities across the
globe.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Lydia Kou, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto, on behalf of the entire City Council, do hereby
commend Michele Lew for her exceptional leadership and congratulate her as a 2023 ATHENA Award honoree.
Presented: October 19, 2023
______________________________
Lydia Kou
Mayor